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Keri Tombazian

Hey there, voice actors! We sat down with none other than the fabulous Keri Tombazian, Natasha’s self-proclaimed VO Fairy Godmother - it was an interview filled with laughter, insights, and a touch of sparkle. 

First female guest host for Casey Kasem's American Top 40 - Keri was breaking barriers in the '80s.  Including being the first woman in the promo booth at ABC. Talk about making waves! 

From DJ to the First Lady of Voiceover 

Keri's career trajectory was like a rollercoaster, from her early days as a DJ to becoming a prominent figure in the voiceover world. Keri's journey began in the realm of radio, where her voice found a home in the hearts of listeners. Her dulcet tones resonated through the airwaves, making her a beloved presence on the radio scene. However, Keri's ambitions stretched beyond radio, and she soon found herself drawn to the fascinating world of voiceover. 

Navigating the Storm: The 2000 Strike 

The turn of the millennium brought about a significant challenge for many in the entertainment industry - the 2000 strike. It was a tumultuous time, but amidst the uncertainty, Keri stood tall. She weathered the storm, showcasing not only her talent but also her unwavering commitment to her craft. The strike became a turning point, propelling Keri into a new chapter of her career. 

Atlas Talent: A Pivotal Partnership 

Every career has its defining moments, and for Keri, joining Atlas Talent was one such pivotal juncture. Notably, she made history by becoming the talent agency's first voiceover artist in Los Angeles. The partnership proved to be a game-changer, opening doors to exciting opportunities and solidifying Keri's status as a force to be reckoned with in the voiceover industry. 

Coaching: A Passion Rediscovered 

Keri taught back in the '90s for about two and a half years and got into coaching somewhat serendipitously. She started teaching a workshop with another actor, and despite initial hesitation, she found that she loved it. 

Keri returned to coaching more actively in recent years, conducting classes two or three times a year. Keri emphasizes that she prefers to be called a teacher rather than a coach, highlighting what she sees as a difference between the two roles. 

During her classes, she focuses on helping students understand that they are not just "enough." Instead, they need training and knowledge about working with the microphone. She shares her wisdom and experience to help students navigate the voiceover industry, offering valuable insights to those looking to improve their skills. 

The Power of Copy Analysis 

One of Keri's key teachings revolves around copy analysis. She highlights the significance of understanding the script, emphasizing that everything a voice actor needs to know is embedded in the copy. From analyzing the music of the English language to realizing that actors are enough but still need training, Keri's insights were a goldmine for aspiring voice actors. 

Trends vs. Authenticity 

In a world where trends come and go, Keri believes in staying relevant by observing what's booking but cautions against blindly imitating trends. Drawing inspiration without losing authenticity is the key to standing out, and Keri's success with campaigns like Geico and Apple's secret project is a testament to this philosophy. 

Balancing Act: Social Media and Authenticity  

Keri believes there’s a delicate balance between self-promotion and humility. While celebrating achievements is essential, she advises against poaching and emphasizes the importance of being mindful of fellow voice actors. 

Embarrassing Moments and Lessons Learned 

Keri shared a gem of a story that left us in stitches. Picture this: a sunny day on Ventura Boulevard, a voiceover maven innocently expressing her negative thoughts about a certain commercial campaign. Little did she know, the voice actor behind said commercials was standing right there, within earshot. As Keri continued her unabashed commentary, a sudden hush fell over the boulevard. It was the unmistakable silence that accompanies the realization of an unintentional blunder. To her disbelief, the person behind the commercials emerged from the crowd – none other than the brilliant mind she had just unwittingly critiqued. 

Cue the awkwardness. 

The lesson learned that day was crystal clear: Never underestimate the reach of your critiques, and certainly, never express them openly on the bustling streets of Ventura Boulevard. 

If you're itching to know more about Keri's coaching sessions or want to be part of her next class, head over to KeriTombazian.com and get ready to unlock the secrets of the voiceover world with the one and only VO Fairy Godmother. Until next time, keep those vocal cords warmed up, and happy voicing! 🎙️✨